The Brazilian football season came to an end in December with new names taking their place in the limelight alongside some more familiar ones.

European clubs have continued to beat a trail to South America in the hope of unearthing new talent and here we outline some of the players that could be heading across the Atlantic in January.

GABRIEL (Santos)

This forward is eager to shed the comparisons that have been made with Neymar as he looks to cut his own niche in the game. After a first season playing as a striker, this year Gabriel played in a wider position and made a big impact, showing off his versatility.

Attacking the spaces, this youngster has shown an ability to draw out markers and create space for the centre forward. Still only 19 years old, he seems more mature to deal with the pressure of playing for Santos and has increasing confidence with the ball at his feet.

After scoring 21 goals this season, 'Gabigol' has been linked with Paris Saint-Germain and Barcelona and soon will be called up by Dunga for the national side.

The aptly-named 'Gabigol' (right) has been linked with moves to both Paris Saint-Germain and Barcelona

ALEXANDRE PATO (Corinthians)

In his own words, 2015 was his best year. After struggling with injuries at Milan and having a hard time settling down at Corinthians, the forward has looked more like his old self. Almost a decade after his debut, Pato is finding his best position on the field.

This season he has flourished on the left and scored 26 times in 61 matches though his work-rate still has to be improved. He spent 2015 on loan at Sao Paulo and now has to go back to Corinthians, as Tite, the manager, wants him.

The club, however, needs money and they are instead trying to place him in Europe. His name has been linked with several clubs but nothing concrete yet. It is worth remembering, Pato is still just 26 years old.

Alexandre Pato (now at Corinthians, left) has finally found his best position almost a decade after his debut

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LUCAS LIMA (Santos)

Technically impressive, Lucas Lima has a different story from other Brazilians youngsters and is a relatively late developer.

The 25 year-old playmaker showed some skill playing for Internacional but chances were limited. He was loaned to Sport Recife in 2013, then when he returned to Inter, Lucas Lima was sold to Santos. He began to grow steadily and is now influencing games and earning praise from the likes of 1970 World Cup hero Tostao.

He is a No 10 capable of spreading play and creating chances. His consistency prompted a call-up for Brazil and he has broken into the starting XI. His agent is travelling around Europe to find a new club.

Late developer Lucas Lima (right) could be heading to Europe as his agent searches for a new club

GERSON (Roma)

This 18-year-old is arriving at Roma in January as a multi-faceted player, capable of playing in almost any position in midfield. The Italian club has won a long fight against Barcelona and signed the Brazil Under 20 international in August.

However, he had to return to Fluminense to play until December. He has a fluidity to his movement around the field and is an all-around player with eye for an accurate pass. He does need to improve on his pace and his concentration during the match, though.

Gerson has already agreed a deal to move to Roma in January, and will soon light up Serie A with his talent

ALISSON (Internacional)

Though aged 23, this has been his first full season as a first-team player and Internacional's goalkeeper was subsequently called up to play for Brazil. He finished the year as Dunga's favoured man for the position.

Luiz Felipe Scolari had considered calling him up for the World Cup even though he was on the bench for his club. Alisson can be the new Claudio Taffarel and the former goalkeeping icon says that the youngster will be better than him and will be Brazil's first-choice for some time. Taller than Taffarel at 6ft 4ins, Alisson has great shot-stopping ability and great reflexes.

Juventus targeted him but instead he has chosen to play for Roma. Alisson will join after the Olympics in the summer prompting the return of Wojciech Szczesny to Arsenal.

Alisson (left) was recently called up to play for Brazil's first team and will join Roma after the 2016 Olympics

FRED (Fluminense)

Don't think about Fred as the static centre forward of the 2014 World Cup. He is much more than that. This 32 year-old veteran may go back to Europe after six years in Brazil.

Since 2009, playing for Fluminense, Fred became an iconic player for the club. On the field he is a team leader, a traditional striker. He has the ability to score in prolific fashion, is especially good at timing his runs to meet crosses and is being watched by Turkish side Fenerbahce.

Fred is well-known and has picked up something of a negative reputation, but the veteran striker is still prolific

LUAN (Gremio)

Very talented. Luan can play anywhere across the front line but it is as a false nine, where he can open up spaces for his team-mates with his quick feet, that he has been building a reputation. The 22-year-old Gremio man was selected in the Campeonato Brasileiro team of the year and voted best forward alongside Ricardo Oliveira of Santos.

Fast and tricky, Luan needs to improve his decision-making power. He has been subject of enquiries from Chinese football and an English-based investor group.

Gremio forward Luan is best in the false nine position, and has been building a fearsome reputation in Brazil

JEMERSON (Atletico Mineiro)

The Atletico Mineiro player is the best Brazilian defender of his generation that is still playing for a Brazilian club. He is not so tall at just over 6ft but has a good spring, is fast and has good positional instincts.

Offensively, 23-year-old Jemerson offers a real threat on set-pieces and crosses. Last month, he was called up for the first time to play for the national team against Peru. AC Milan is one of the European clubs targeting him.

Jemerson (right) is the best Brazilian defender of his generation still plying his trade in his home country

GABRIEL JESUS (Palmeiras)

A teenager with a special talent for unlocking defences. So unpredictable in his movement, Gabriel Jesus made an impact from his very first games as a professional. Only 18 year-old, the striker will be called up by Dunga next year.

Fast and with a good footballing brain, this hot prospect was one of the most important players of Palmeiras' Brazilian Cup-winning campaign. Arsenal have been alerted to his promise while Juventus and Roma are also watching and are in contact with his club.

Arsenal have been alerted to the potential of Gabriel Jesus (left), the 18-year-old Palmeiras striker